Koakoa Design - Whispers of Tupuna earrings

Koakoa Design is an indigenous jewellery and accessories studio, who create meaningful adornments inspired by the stories of Aotearoa so you can "celebrate who you are on your terms". Their designs have a clear link to heritage while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.

Koakoa Design embodies cultural confidence with bold, vibrant pieces designed to centre you in your identity, so you can create moments of connection in ways that matter to you. Anchored by this land, our aatua, your tuupuna.

Founder and creative force behind the brand, Lisa (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Ruanui, Pākeha) had been creating pieces for family and friends for years.

"The inspiration behind the designs comes from both sides of my whakapapa although the influence of my Māori lineage is front and centre. I'm interested in story-telling through design and the stories I'm most interested in currently are about relationships - be it with our environment, ātua, other people or ourselves.
The designs are as much political and cultural statements. They say - this is who I am - engage with me in this knowledge - I stand in this world, unapologetically and proud."

This design is named Whispers of Tupuna.

Do the whispers of tūpuna foretell the future or do they shape our dreams so we might bring it to life?
Are our dreams formed before we are born or do they come to us as we grow into who we're meant to be?

When you wear these earrings, the kupu can be hard to read from a distance and when you are in motion. Even as you still your body, the whole cannot be read unless you determine to show both sides. Choose who to reveal the words to, who you share your whakaaro with, what meaning the ponderings have for you, who you challenge and enter into dialogue with.

This is your story to craft.

DETAILS:

85mm long, 70mm wide approx
Bamboo components
Stainless steel posts

* Measurements are approximate. The items are handmade so there will be slight variance between each item. Many of the pieces use natural components so some variance can also be attributed to this.

These earrings are made by an indigenous Maaori creative